Arnett A Former Bulldog Player And Assistant Coach Takes The Helm After Leachs Passing

Mississippi State Names Zach Arnett as New Head Football Coach

Arnett, a Former Bulldog Player and Assistant Coach, Takes the Helm after Leach's Passing

Proven Leader and Analyst at Ole Miss, Arnett Brings Success to Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Mississippi State Bulldogs have named Zach Arnett as their new head football coach, the university announced today. Arnett, a former Bulldog player and assistant coach, returns to Starkville after serving as an analyst at the University of Mississippi.

Arnett, 36, brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldogs. He played linebacker at Mississippi State from 2005 to 2008, starting 37 games and earning All-SEC honors twice. Following his playing career, Arnett joined the Bulldogs' coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2010 and served as a full-time assistant from 2013 to 2017.

In 2018, Arnett joined the staff at Ole Miss as an outside linebackers coach. He was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2020 and helped lead the Rebels to their first Sugar Bowl victory in program history last season.

"Zach Arnett is a proven leader and a rising star in the coaching profession," Mississippi State Director of Athletics John Cohen said. "He has a deep understanding of our program and our university, and he is committed to building on the success we have achieved under Coach Leach."

Arnett said he is honored to return to Mississippi State as head coach.

"This is a dream come true," Arnett said. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and to continue the legacy of success that Coach Leach established. I am confident that we can build on the foundation that he laid and bring another national championship to Starkville."

Arnett is the 35th head coach in Mississippi State football history. He will be formally introduced at a press conference in the coming days.